NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Erica Miller, DVM, with Apple Lane Animal Hospital said that rabies cases have been found in Reno County, so pet owners need to be vigilant.
"Here in Reno County, there's been two positive cases of rabies," Miller said. "Both were in skunks. So far, in the state of Kansas for this year, there have been seven skunks that have been positive and one bat."
That's why it's important to get all pets immunized for rabies, if you're going to keep them around.
"I think one was in like, rural Haven, so not far from us here," Miller said. "I think the other was rural Partridge, but I believe both of those skunks were actually attacking kittens."
Those attacks resulted in a short life span for those kittens.
"I always have to emphasize that, our barn cats that aren't inside cats, they have the most exposure to wildlife that could possibly be carrying rabies. Bare minimum, let's make sure all our barn cats have been vaccinated for rabies. Unfortunately, in those cases where those skunks were attacking those kittens, they weren't vaccinated for rabies. They had to be euthanized."
At Apple Lane, Miller notes that they give rabies vaccine at four months, but check with your veterinarian on their policy.